In Situ Single‐Step Synthesis of PANI/ZnO Nanocomposite for Enduring Symmetric and Asymmetric Supercapacitors

The objective of this work is to examine PANI–ZnO nanocomposites synthesized via a facile in situ single‐step chemical one‐pot method as a potential electrode material for supercapacitors. The structural characterizations were extensively carried out using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimization of the weight ratios of the constituents of the PZ nanocomposite was performed by their energy storage assessments using a two‐electrode system with 1 M H 2 SO 4 as electrolyte. Energy storage was evaluated in both symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations. The symmetric cell of the composite PANI 87.5% : ZnO 12.5% (PZ13) exhibited superior energy storage properties with a specific capacity ( Q ) of 42.3 C g −1 at 0.75 A g −1 with corresponding specific energy ( E ) and specific power ( P ) of 7.05 W h kg −1 and 450 W kg −1 , respectively. A remarkable rise by 135.42% in energy storage was observed during the cyclic stability test, with an increase in the number of cycles at 0.4 V s –1 . An enhanced Q of 56.7 C g −1 at 0.75 A g −1 with E of 9.45 W h kg −1 and P of 450 W kg −1 were obtained from the activated carbon (AC)//PZ13 asymmetric cell. The Q decreased to 45.6 C g −1 after 13 500 cycles at 0.4 V s –1 . The asymmetric cell showed better performance, even though the symmetric cell had exhibited greater stability and durability.